Food Export of Malaysia

Papaya among exported food comodity from Malaysia.

Malaysia was one of the leading nation in food crop export. According to Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Base Industry in 2005 Malaysia import RM 17.73 billion of food produce compare to RM 10.67 billion of food export (Different of RM 7.06 billion). This food import amount increase t0 RM 19.95 billion in 2006 and RM 23.37 billion in 2008 whereby total food produce export amounting RM 11.39 billion (Different of RM 8.58 billion in 2006) and RM 13.76 billion in 2008 (Different of 9.65 billion).

Total oil palm export in 2008 about RM 47.9 billion and the international definition include that palm oil considered Food Product. That means Malaysia is a Net Food Exporter by simple logic calculation (RM 47.9 billion - RM 9.65 billion = Positive RM 38.25 billion!). Malaysia is a nation 'Feeding the World' with palm oil and palm oil product. Other food product exported from Malaysia was Tropical Fruits (RM 487 million in 2008) and vegetable (RM 665 million in 2008).

For Fruits industry, total area planted in 2000 was 315,000 hectare and decrease to 293,000 hectare in 2005 and only 265,000 hectare in 2008. However with the technology improvement and proper management system total fruit production were increase from 1,027,000 mt (2000) to 1,612,000 mt (2005) and 1,598,000 mt (2008). Fruit production also increase from 8.7 mt/ha (2000) to 9.4 mt/ha (2005) and 9.7 mt/ha (2008). My calculation shows that the fruit industry in Malaysia Self Sufficiency Level (SSL) was decrease from 72.1% in 2000 ton only 63.7% in 2008. Malaysia targeted to grow 292,000 hectare in 2020 to produce about 2,570,000 mt of fruits in future.

For vegetable sector about 34,000 hectare was grown in 2000 decrease to only 28,000 hectare in 2008 but the actual production was increase from 505,000 mt to 595,000 mt respectively. The increase in vegetable production due to advance technology adopted and new farming system such as Green House and Intensive Farming. Vegetable production intensity calculated at 8.7 mt/ha (2000), 15.0 mt/ha (2005) to about 12.5 mt/ha in 2008. The vegetable SSL was decrease from about 49.2% in 2000 to only 39.6 % in 2008. Malaysia targeted to grow 38,000 ha in 2020 to produce about 1,658,000 mt of fresh vegetable for the nation in future.

For export goal, Malaysia should focus on selected fruit such as Pineapple, Star fruit/ Carambola, Watermelon, Papaya, Banana and Jackfruit. This fruits are able to be grown in Malaysia with proper technology, selected planting material and clones, selected location and processing activity. Fruit like pineapple, jack fruit and durian are established for processing activity such as minimum process, vacuum fry, quick freeze, depulping techniques and other methods. For future planning may be fruit like durian, rambutan and mangoesteen are able for future development.

For vegetable production ,Malaysia should focus on few vegetable commodities such as Chili, Tomato, Maize and Leafy Vegetables. Chili (Capsicum annum) and Cili Padi (Capsicum frutescens) are focused to grow in future due to large amount of import from Thailand. The production technology and marketing access must properly designed. Post harvest technology and farm certification program should in place so that the consumer able to deliver quality and safe produce.

FOOD,FOOD,FOOD.....IMPORT & EXPORT.....
ONCE YOU EAT.....DETERMINE THE SOURCE...
BALANCE O TRADE..... WHO SUPPORT....
WE GROW....WE CONSUME...WE SECURE...

By
M Anem
Putrajaya

MATAG SEEDLING

Writer visit 3.5 years old MATAG Coconut variety at Batu Pahat.

MATAG is a popular Coconut (Cocos nucifera) clones in Malaysia. MATAG is a new variety as a result of hybrid between Malaysian Variety namely Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD) of Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD - see photo no 3 bottom) with Tagnanan Variety (claim of Philipines origin variety). Tagnanan pollen used as a male source and MRD/MYD for female receiver. I had experience the preparation of MATAG clone in two production station namely United Plantation Estate at Perak and Jorak Agriculture Station in Muar, Johor. This two station is claimed to be the only station in Malaysia producing GENUINE MATAG variety till today.

Jorak Agriculture station managed by Department of Agriculture Malaysia capable of producing about 50,000 MATAG seedling in a year. The station with 40 hectare of coconut MRD and MYD mother plant has the capacity of producing up to 80,000 seedlings annually but lack of manpower and facilities available. There is a new MRD/ MYD planting for mother plant in 2008/ 2009 during my tenure as AO District. With new coconut for breeding program easily the seedling production capacity will increase accordingly.

Male pollen from Tagnanan Coconut collected and sprayed to the female flower (Stigma) when it's open early morning. The pollinator's has to clime the MRD/MYD coconut tree (about 5-7 feet) and check each tree either it already 'open' for pollination (see photo next). The pollinated female flower then wrapped with 'see through' plastic cover to prohibit other unwanted pollen from other coconut tree and no bees/ ants/ pollinator to disturb. This activity carried out for few days until all female flower are pollinated and finished. This was a very tedious and tiring job.

Few constraint to success in pollination activity is the timing (Must correct), Heavy Rainfall (Continuous rain fall monsoon season worsen), Wrapping strength (Sometimes not OK) and mother plant vigorously. The coconut fruit will be formed in 4-7 months before matured. The matured coconut collected and arranged in nursery. From my observation in Jorak Station only about 40-45% of the seedling became a Genuine F1 MATAG Hybrid Variety after culling process. The rest of the seedling identified as MRD/ MYD or Tagnanan or unknown seedling variety by its appearance.

There was a huge demand in MATAG variety today from private sectors, individual even public players. From my experience during Agriculture Expo at National and State level officer, there is a lot of public enquiry ask about How and Where to get or Buy MATAG Seedlings. Some of them doest not ask about the expensive price (Claimed by them). Actually in open market there was very difficult for public to know the genuine (F1) MATAG seedling except by checking the origin and seedling source. The MATAG matured nut are not genuine MATAG variety and not recommended to use as a planting material.

MATAG seedling priced about RM 12.00 to RM 16.00 in open market. The price was higher compared to those purchased by DOA ranging from RM 8.00 to RM 12.00 per seedling because the big quantity. Farmers receiving MATAG seedling from DOA under Coconut Rehabilitation Program or New Coconut Planting Program should appreciate the government assistance. This program was implemented mostly in Johor (Batu Pahat/ Muar District), Sabak Bernam in Selangor, Bagan Datok in Perak. I have chance to see successful MATAG project in Batu Pahat 4 years old tree. The crop was producing a lot of fruit compare to traditional Malayan Tall variety (see photo). It was Encik Azman (46 years old) at Sg Kluang Darat, Batu Pahat saying he is very happy with this MATAG variety. Thanks to DOA ! He said.

GROW COCONUT....BELIEVE IT OR NOT......

MATAG VARIETY....HYBRID COCONUT...

THE SEEDLING... IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET?. ..

ASK DOA....WHERE IS THE GENUINE....

By,

M Anem

Ex AO Mersing, AO Segamat, AO Muar

Popular Fruit Clones in Malaysia

Farm inspection by the writer on PSRV disease at Muar segamat border.

Malaysia produces many types of tropical fruits for domestic and export. About 269,860 hectare of fruit crop was grown in 2009 with annual production about 1.642 million metric ton respectively. Durian (Durio zibethinus) are the largest growing fruit in Malaysia with about 100,615 hectare in 2009 followed by Banana (Musa spp) with about 28,640 hectare with annual production of 283,220 metric ton. Department of Agriculture Malaysia recorded that Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) was third largest fruit grown in this country with an area of 24,470 hectare produce about 79,540 metric ton and the fourth popular fruit was Pineapple (Ananas comosus) with an area of 16,210 hectare and produce about 400,070 metric ton in 2009.

Production for domestic demand from commercial and traditional farms whereby for export normally by medium or large scale by private sectors. Few selected Malaysian fruit for export traditionally are Star Fruit, Papaya, Water Melon Pineapple and Banana. There are about 30 types of fruit grown either commercial of small scale or as mixed crop. This article explains of few popular fruit clones in Malaysia grown by farmers based on my experience in Agriculture Extension Officer for more than 25 years. Most of the clones and cultivar for fruits in Malaysia are prepared for fresh production and almost non of the clones for raw material for processing activity.


1) Star Fruit
Star Fruit or Belimbing (Averrhoa carambola) was among popular fruit in Malaysia for domestic and export. There are 3 clones of star fruit and popular identified as Clone B10, Clone B17 and Clone B2. Clone B10 and Clone B17 is popular for star fruit production. Clone B2 was grown between the two clones as pollen provider in fertilization process for better fruit set. There was about 1,340 hectare of star fruit grown in Malaysia in 2009 and produce about 11,370 metric ton. Few area identified as star fruit growing area in Malaysia are Gombak District in Selangor (132 ha) followed by Seremban District of Negeri Sembilan (79 ha) and Temerloh District of Pahang (68 ha). The star fruit farm normally sized about 1-5 hectare per farmers due to huge labor requirement for fruit wrapping activity.
(My Blog on Star Fruit Technology published on 4 April 2010).


2) Papaya
Papaya or Betik Eksotika (Carica papaya) is few popular papaya grown in Malaysia with two clones that was Papaya Eksotika 1 and papaya Eksotika 2. Most of Eksotika papaya was produce for domestic use as fresh fruit. The most recent popular papaya clones in Malaysia are Betik Sekaki. Betik Sekaki (also called as Betik Hongkong) was the largest papaya variety grown in Malaysia about 65-70% from total area. Papaya was grown about 2,985 hectare with annual production of 47,630 metric ton in 2009. Betik Sekaki is able produce higher yield per hectare, early harvesting period and suitable for export to Hong Kong and Singapore. Main production papaya area in Malaysia was in Rompin District Pahang (688 ha), Padang Terap District in Kedah (296 ha) and Muar District in Johor (182 ha) in 2009.
(Blog technology of Papaya was published 18 April 2010).


3) Chempedak
Cempedak (Artocarpus chempeden) is a type of local fruit grown for fresh consumption in Malaysia. The most popular clone grown in Malaysia was Clone CH30, Clone CH 28 and Clone CH33. There was about 11,050 hectare of Chempedak grown in Malaysia and produce 53,010 metric ton in 2009. There is other few local chempedak clones named after the name of local origin. Chempedak production area in Malaysia located at Kuching Ditrict of Sarawak (366 ha) followed by Selama District of Perak (250 ha) and Sipitang District of Sabah (245 ha). There was a popular “Chempedak Goreng” or fried chempedak rather for fresh consumption.
(Blog Technology on cempedak published on 3 June 2010 and 22 January 2010).


4) Ciku
Ciku (Manikara sapota) was a type of fruit originated from Malaysia and South East Asia. There was 5 popular ciku clones in Malaysia namely Ciku Mega (CM19), Ciku Betawi (C61), Ciku Jantung (C62), Ciku Subang (C63) and Ciku Kaseroi (Not registered). Total area of ciku grown in Malaysia was 1,030 hectare with annual production of 5,790 metric ton in 2009. Ciku was slow growth type of tree and long life.
(My blog on Ciku was published on June 2010).


5) Durian
Durian (Durio zibethinus) was called as "King of The Fruit " in Malaysia. Durian crop in either mono-crops or mixed with other fruit trees. There are about 100,615 hectare of durian tree grown in Malaysia with annual production of 288,900 mt in 2009. Main production area of durian in Malaysia was Muar District of Johor (7,048 ha) followed by Segamat District Johor (6,741 ha) and Kuala Krai District of Kelantan (5,365 ha). Among popular clones grown in this country was D24 (Bukit Merah), D99 (Koop Kecil), D158 (Tangkai Panjang), D159 (Bantal Mas), D168/101 (Mas Muar) dan D197 (Kunyit). Other local clones was planted according to its locality and not registered to DOA.



6) Coconut
Coconut or Kelapa (Cocos nucifera) has many clones identified in Malaysia. Among popular coconut clones was Malaysian Tall, MATAG, Malaysian Dwarf Red (MRD), Malaysian Green Dwarf (MGD),Malaysian Yellow Dwarf (MYD – As Photo ), Pandan Wangi, MAWA , African Tall, Rennel, MARREN , MAMA and others. However recently only MATAG, MAWA and Fragrant Pandan was widely accepted as the most popular clones. A total of 109,185 hectare coconut was planted in 2009 with an annual production of 571,400 metric ton. Sarawak has the largest coconut growing area of 22,290 hectare followed by Johor (21,250 ha) and Sabah (19,140 ha). Most of the coconut consumed for fresh and some are the coconut was processed for copra, coconut milk and others.
(My Blog on coconut growing published on 28 April 2010)


7) Jambu Air
For Jambu Air (Euginia aquea) it was grown as commercial farm with 2 popular clones. The clones was Clone E3 (Jambu Air Madu Merah – Next photo ) and Clone E2 (Jambu Air Madu Hijau). The writer estimated about 50-70 hectare. Main production area of Jambu Air was in Johor, Perak, Selangor and Pahang. Johor claim that the green Clone also called "Jambu Air Johor" due to it popularity in the state.
( My Blog Jambu AIr Technology published by Febuary 2010)

8) Jambu Batu (Guava)
Guava or Jambu Batu (Psidium guava) was grown in Malaysia for domestic and export market. For Guava it was grown mostly as commercial farm as monocrop. There are 2 main type of guava in Malaysia that was SEEDLESS GUAVA and SEED GUAVA. The seedless guava popular clone was Clone GU15. The guava with seed was Clone GU8, Clone GU9 and Clone GU 10. Guava grown in Malaysia about 1,440 hectare in 2009 with annual production of 18,880 mt. Main production guava was located in Muar Johor (213 ha) , Daerah Batang Padang Perak (185 ha) and Daerah Segamat Johor (68 ha). Main constraint of growing guava in Malaysia was the attack of nematode, fruit fly and workers.
(My blog on guava published at February 2010.)

9) Longan
Longan fruit (Dimocarpus longan) has 4 basic clones that was Edaw, Chompoo, Biew Khiew and Klon Diamond/Belian. Ony two clones was popular in Malaysia Clone Edaw and Clone Belian. Longan in Malaysia was a new comodity introduced to Malaysia recently. Malaysia import fresh longan fruit from Thailand totaling of 7,650 metric ton which valued at RM 12.4 million in 2008. About 60 - 80 hectare longan was planted in Malaysia at Johor, Melaka, Selangor, Kedah, Perak and Negeri Sembilan.
(My Blog on LonganTechnology published by 20 April 2010)

10) Pomelo
Limau bali or Pomelo (Citrus grandis) was grown in Malaysia about 1,895 hectare with annual production of 8,830 mt in 2009. Pomelo grown mostly in Segamat Johor (313 ha - at Jementah) followed by Daerah Kuala Kangsar Perak (200 ha) and Daerah Kinta Perak (110 ha). The most popular pomelo clone was Clone PO51 (White flesh - Rompin), Clone PO 52 (Red FleshTambun) and Clone PO 53 (White flesh -Melomas).
(My Blog on Pomelo Technology published on 11 Febuary 2010)

11) Limau Manis
For Sweet Citrus or locally known as Limau Langkat (Citrus suhuensis) there is not many clone available , only Clone M32. There was also local unknown clone and not registered to DOA. Total limau langkat planted area in Malaysia reported only 3,940 hectare with annual production of 17,970 metric ton in 2009. lone M33 was grown at Daerah Asajaya in Sarawak about 294 hectare followed by Daerah Simunjan Sarawak (288 ha) and Daerah Beaufort Saabah (230 ha).

12) Manggis (Mangoesteen)
Mangoesteen or locally known as Manggis (Garcinia mangostana) was grown as traditional crop mixed with other fruit tree. There was no specific popular clones for mangoesteen in Malaysia. Most mangoesteen was not registered with DOA. About 7,685 hectare og mangoesteen was grown with estimated production of 29,520 metric ton in 2009. Most mangoesteen was grown in Daerah Batang Padang Perak (340 ha) followed by Daerah Hulu Langat Selangor (300 ha) and Daerah Segamat Johor (288ha).
(My Blog mangoesteen teknology published by 9 June 2010)

13) Manggo (Mangga)

Manggo or Mangga in Malays (Magnifera indica) has wide range of clones in Malaysia. Among popular clones however identified as Clone MA224 (Chok Anan) widely grown in Melaka, Sarawak and few other states. Total manggo planted area was about 9,375 hectare with annual production of 24,510 metric ton. Manggo ,mostly planted in Jasin Melaka (463 ha) followed by Daerah Alor Gajah Melaka (419 ha) and Daerah Kuching Sarawak (271 ha). Other popular clones was Clone MA 128 (Harum Manis), MA 162 (Foo Fatt / Golek), MA 165 (MAHA), MA 204 (Melele) and MA 223 (Nam Dok Mai).

14) Pineapple (Nenas)
Pineapple or Nenas (Ananas cosmosus) was grown for fresh and canning for eksport. The most popular pineapple in Malaysia was Nenas Morris and Nenas Gandul (N36). Other less popular clones was Nenas Cayene, Nenas Spanish, Nenas Queen and nenas MD2. about 16,850 hectare pineawas grown in 2009 with pproduce about 416,070 metric ton. Johor has single largest pineapple planting area with Daerah Pontian (3,686 ha), Daerah Kluang (2,950 ha) and Daerah Muar (1,266 ha) with commercial scale and smallholders.

15) Jackfruit (Nangka)

Jackfruit or Nangka (Artocarpus heterophyllus) was grown for domestic market. Jackfruit has various clone but the most popular clone was Clone J29, Clone J31, Clone Tekam Yellow, Clone Mastura and the most recent was Clone J33 (Nangka Madu). Other local jackfruit clome was Clone Mantin, Clone Uncle Hong and Clone Crystal (PPK). There was about 3,640 hectare of grown jackfruit in Malaysia producing 28,970 mt in 2010. Production area of jackfruit were located at Daerah Temerloh Pahang (207 ha), Kota Tinggi Johor (192 ha) and Daerah Segamat Johor (136 ha).
(My Blog Jackfruit Technology published on 22 January 2010)

16) Banana (Pisang)
Banana or Pisang (Musa spp) grown in Malaysia for fresh cosumption and export to nearby country. About 29,790 hectare of banana was planted in Malaysia by 2009 producing 295,630 metric ton. The popular banana clone or variety was about 10include Pisang Mas, Pisang Rastali, Pisang Cavendish and Pisang Berangan. Banana largely planted at Daerah Batu Pahat Johor (1,660 ha), Daerah Pontian Johor (1,653 ha) and daerah Muar Johor (1,532 ha).
(My Blog on banana tehnology published by 2 Mac 2010)

17) Pitaya (Buah Mata Naga)
Buah Mata Naga or Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) only planted commercially in Malaysia less than 10 years ago. Two popular clone was Red Variety and White Variety. Malaysia grow about 2,510 hectare in 2009 produce about 9,790 metric ton. Pitaya industry facing disease problem caused by Ervinia spp cause lost to new farmers. Pitaya planted mostly in Daerah Kluang Johor (206 ha), Daerah Mersing Johor (156 ha) and daerah Jelebu N Sembilan (155 ha).

18) Pulasan
Pulasan (Nephelium mutabile) recorded hectarage of 1,410 hectare in 2009 which produce 4,930 metric ton. The most popular clone for pulasan was Clone Ah Hock (Hock 94). Other less popular clone was Clone P28 (Pulasan Temerloh). Pulasan widely grown in Daerah Hulu Langat Selangor ( 314 ha), Daerah Dungun Terengganu (242 ha) and Daerah Muar Johor (146 ha).

19) Rambutan
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) was second or third largest fruit tree in Malaysia. Total rambutan tree grown in 2009 was 25,460 hectare with annual production of 82,740 ton metric. Among district growing large scale of rambutan was Daerah Selama Perak (846 ha), Daerah Kuala Krai Kelantan (654 ha) and Daerah Dungun Terengganu (473 ha). The most popular rambutan clone was R134 (Rambutan Singapore), R 156 (Gading Muar), R 179 (Deli Cheng), R 191 (Anak Sekolah ) dan Klon R 193 (Deli Baling).
(My Blog on rambutan technology published by 31 January 2010)

20) Salak
Salak (Salacca glabrecens) was grown in Malaysia for 1,190 hectare in 2009 with estimated production about 4,550 metric ton. Salak mostly grown in Daerah Kuala Krai Kelantan (329 ha), Daerah Dungun Terengganu (256 ha) and Daerah Tumpat Kelantan (233 ha). People claim most popular clone for Salak was Clone SJ15, Clone SJ 17, Clone SJ 34, Clone SJ 36, Clone SJ 39, Clone SJ 40 and the latest was Salak Pondoh (Indonesia).
(My Blog on Salak tecnology published by 19 April 2010).

21) Watermelon (Tembikai)
Watermelon or Tembikai (Citrullus lunatus) grown in Malaysia about 11,750 hectare in 2009 for domestic and export market. The largest production area for watermelon was located at Daerah Rompin Pahang (2,543 ha), Daerah Kluang Johor (1,119 ha) and Daerah Mersing Johor (828 ha). Among popular variety was Hibrid such as New Dragon, Emperor, Flower Dragon, Hitam Manis (S108), Black Gold categorised as watermelon with seed. The popular seedless variety was Fengshan No 1, Ming Hwa, Gold Rush 1663, Felicity Orchid Sweet, Sin Foon, Quality, seedless No 1 and Seedless Superstar.
(My Blog on watermelon technology published at 27 April 2010)

22) Soursop (Durian Belanda)
Soursop or Durian Belanda (Annona muricata) are popular fruit for domestic and consumed as fresh. There was no data on acreage of soursop planted in Malaysia.

23) Dokong
Dokong (Lansium domesticum Jack) was grown about 16,130 hectare CHE in 2009 which produce 32,420 metric ton. Main production area for dokong located at Daerah Gua Musang Kelantan (2,040 ha) followed by Daerah Kuala Krai Kelantan (1,950 ha) and Daerah Jeli Kelantan (1,748 ha). There was no specific names registered for dokong but two types was Clone Dokong Kering (Dry ) and Wet Dokong or Dokong Biji.

Popular fruit clone grown in Malaysia depend on many factor such as demand and supply, fruit quality, post harvest technology, soil suitability, planting materian, seasonal or non-seasonal fruit, minimum processing , infrastructure and incentives. Commercial fruit growers mantain their crop due to lal tropical fruit ar for fresh cosumption and not many or almost nill clone for processsing as raw material. Orchard rehabilitation program bya Agriculture Department is one way to improve traditional clove with new productive and marketable clone.

FRUIT CLONE....WHICH ONE WAS POPULAR....

SOME CLONE REGISTERED..OTHERS BY LOCALITY....

POPULAR CLONE.... SEEDLING MUST CERTIFIED....

FRUIT PACKAGE TECHNOLOGY.... STUDY...

By
M Anem
Muar

SUKUN

Sukun fruit ready for early harvest at Muar, Johor.

Sukun (Artocarpus altilis) is a type of tree originated from South East Asia Tenggara under Moraceae Family are similar to Jackfruit and Cempedak group. Sukun was planted in Malaysia as a mixed crop with other fruit tree and also as monocrop. No data recorded the hectare's in Malaysia but the writer estimated about 300 -450 Hectare CHE. Johor, Selangor, Kedah , Kelantan, Sabah and Pahang are states that mostly growing sukun in Malaysia. This crop use as landscape and for food production. There is no specified verities of sukun planted but mostly are Locals.

Sukun tree are woody type and able to reach up to 20 meter height. The main trunk upward stand with about 30-50 cm diameter. The trunk colour is grey and considered as medium hardwood type. The leaves shape was unique with green in colour and thick. The branching system also evenly distributed to create a fair canopy. The sukun flower was at the tip of the branching system in reddish brown colour and elongated in shape. Sukun Fruit was green at young stage with round or oval shape. It turns light green yellowish when turn ripe and smoother skin. Fruit size about 10-30 cm diameter and weighed about 1-3 kg per fruit. In Malaysia there is two type of Sukun that was Sukun with Seed (Wild sukun) and Sukun without seed (Commercially grown). I have experience in providing extension activity for sukun farm project in Melaka and Johor in 1992-1995.

Sukun was planted from its sucker (From roots) from selected matured sukun tree. The other method of reproduction for sukun is by Marcotting and Cuttings. The seedling with leaves and stable root placed in planting hole about 30 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm prepared earlier with basic organic fertilizer and MPP/TSP. Recommended planting distance for sukun was 8 meter x 10 meter. Sukun needs 1005 sunlight penetration for growing period and fruiting capabilities. It was a fast growing tree and able to reach 3 meter height within a year in the farm.

Manuring program for sukun by application of NPK 15:15:15 about 1 kg per tree/year and organic fertilizer for the first year. It increases to 1-2 kg with NPK 12:12:17:2 TE for the second year and 3-4 kg/tree for the next few years. From my observation of sukun on peat soil and mineral soil in Melaka it was able to bear fruit after 1-2 years of planting. The most serious problem in growing sukun was the Stem Borer attack at all stage of planting. During vegetative stage the moth lay egg at the shoot later the larvae penetrated to the stems. If not properly control the sukun tree die within few months. Use chemical control with systemic insecticide such as Furadan 3G during vegetative stage. Other pests was Fruit Fly (Bactocera spp) that able to attack premature sukun fruit and control with protein bait. Weed control by manual and chemical . Drainage is very important at sukun farm.

Sukun in Malaysia has two peak season even though it produce fruit non stop. From my observation the flowering season was normally in Febuary/Mac and July /August in Peninsular Malaysia. The peak fruiting season was in April/Jun and October/ November. The rainfall and drought affect flower formation, fruit size, fruit numbers and fruit quality. Few commercial farmers provide drip irrigation system in the farms and the results shown the farms able to produce double yield from non-irrigated farm in Melaka.


Sukun fruit was light green at young stage turn to dark green when reach maturity stage. Do not pluck or harvest young sukun fruit because its produce latex and unfavourable taste when eaten. Matured fruit will fall if not harvested and provide a host to unwanted pests. Harvested sukun properly cleaned and grade according to size. From my study in Melaka and Muar the ex-farm price for local sukun range between RM 1.00 - RM 1.50 per fruit and sold at RM 2.00 - 3.00 per fruit to the consumer at night market.


Sukun was eaten as "FRIED SUKUN" with 'Sambal Kicap' or hot soy sauce. The sukun was cut as slices about 1 cm thick and fried in hot vegetable oil whether coated with special spicy flour ingredient or not. There was a special demand fo fried sukun sold at the roadside stall or night market. The sukun was cut in long shape with about 0.5 cm thick and sold at RM 0.50 - RM 0.80 per piece. My observation calculated one sukun fruit able to cut between 25-30 sukun cut. Sukun was the best for sukun chip or locally known as "Kerepek Sukun" (See photo next). This chip has a high demand during Perayaan Hari Raya Puasa. The sukun chip priced about RM 10.00 - RM 15.00 per kilogram compared to tapioca chip only about RM 8.00 - RM 12.00 per kilogram. I am one of the consumer to buy and eat sukun chips!

Grow sukun.....harvest sukun....

Fried Sukun....taste favourable...

Sukun chip...not so cheap....

Know about sukun....like to get...

By
M Anem
Horticulture Unit

Manggo Clones in Malaysia

Manggo project with Clone MA 228 at Tehel Melaka.

Mango (Mangnifera indica) in Malaysia grown as commercial and semi-commercial crop. There was many clones of mango domestically grown by farmers with a total of 9,400 hectare in 2009. About 24,500 metric tonnes of mango fruit produced in 2009 in Malaysia. Alor Gajah in Melaka has the largest mango growing area (419 hectare) followed by Jasin District in Melaka ( 463 ha) and Kuching District (271 ha). The article about to elaborate 5 selected clones of mango in Malaysia namely MA 128, MA 162, MA 165, MA 204 and MA 223.

a. MA 128 (Harumanis)

Fruit Shape was Ovoid oblong with average weight of 340 gram. Skin colour when ripen was dark green or light green. Flesh color was Orange with sweet taste and smell good. The seed was sized at 8.7 cm x 4.2 cm with long shape.

b. MA 162 (Foo Fatt/ Golek)

Fruit shape was oblong elongate with average weight about 650 gram. Fruit skin color is light green and yellowish green when turn to ripening stage. Flesh color was orange with minimum fibre at taste a little sweet sour. The seed shape was elongated with sized about 14 cm x 3.3 cm thickness.

3. MA 165 (MAHA 65)

This clones has Oblong elongate shape with an average weight 600 gram. Young fruit color was light green turn to yellowish green when reach ripening stage. The flesh color was light green with fine soft fibre and a Little sweet sour. The seed was elongated shape, thin and sized about 17 cm x 4.5 cm with parallel arrangement.

4. MA 204 (Melele/ Mas muda)

The fruit shape was Ovoid oblong with average weight about 400 gram. The young fruit was light green so as matured fruit still light green. The flesh color is yellow and sweet sour taste with fine texture. The seed has swell elongated shape with size about 11 cm x 4.5 cm.

5. MA 223 (Nam Dok Mai)

Nam Dok Mai has Oblong Elongate shape fruit with an average weight of 400 gram. Young fruit was green and turn green yellowish upon ripening and yellowish green when fully ripen. It has yellow flesh color with fine texture and very sweet taste. The seed was elongated shape with size about 12.7 cm x 4.5 cm.

All clones above documented by Department of Agriculture in 1995. Recently the most popular clones planted by farmers was MA228 also known as Chok Anan. This clones was introduced in 1998 by me in Malacca (MIADP) as new crop to rehabilitate idle paddy land. I introduced this clones due to its fantastic growth and early harvesting period. Until now Malacca has a large mango area planted with the assistance and hard work of Department of Agriculture and private sector.

TO KNOW MANGO CLONES...HAS TO STUDY...

TO BUY MANGO SEEDLING...CHECK THE GENUINE...

By

M Anem

Melaka